I was having an “Uncle Rico” moment yesterday as I daydreamed about my 2014 travel to Europe. I was privileged to have had the opportunity to visit so many beautiful places through Go Global travel with a few of my fellow art students. I halfheartedly giggled at the fact that a divorce, several failed attempts at finding employment, loss of friendships, and “hitting rock bottom” on so many levels led me back to school to finish what I started years ago. In doing so, I was given the chance to fly over the Atlantic pond. All of those painful things brought true happiness to fruition in the end. I went back to school and completed my degree, found earth-shattering love, conquered the fear to do things my way, learned to let go, and became well in order to be there for others. But, during my realization, I longed to be back in Madrid. I wanted to have coffee at a place Hemingway frequented. I wanted to stuff my face again at the San Miguel Market. I wanted to sneak more pictures of famous artwork at the Prado Museum. I wanted to see love all around me again; the couple making out under a tree, the romantic narrow streets adorned with flowers, and beautiful manes of Andalusian horses. I wanted to sketch more in my journal and eat more tapas. I wanted to walk along the beach once more before taking a ferry to Tangier. I will be back, I am certain. But, until then, I have my memories
Cerveceria Alemana- where Ernest Hemingway drank coffee or beer with famous bullfighters- Madrid, Spain
Mercado de San Miguel- Madrid, Spain
Jamon Heaven
Pxintos Bar
Streets of Toledo, Spain
Lunch after Museo del Prado-Madrid, Spain
Corpus Christi Festival-Toledo, Spain
Snack in Toledo, Spain
Quiet Madrid neighborhood
Aftermath of Squid Ink Paella
Great Cathedral and Mosque-Cordoba, Spain
La Alhambra Granada, Spain
Pulpo a Fiera (Boiled Squid with Olive Oil)
Spanish Sunset